China · Mediterranean · Canary Islands · Madeira · Amazon · Caribbean

Meet

the experts

cruisesExclusive Garden themed

2008/09

• EXCLUSIVE Talks

• Cocktail Party

• FREE Tour

55% SAVINGS on selected

sailings

Up to

Victoria Travel also operates www.cruise.co.uk - the UK’s most popular source of on-line cruise holidays. Our combined businesses help us to negotiate the best, and sometimes exclusive deals with cruise lines - so register on-line today for great up-to-minute offers!

Sail with Alan Titchmarsh down the DanubeOnboard Peter Deilmann’s 5 Star Mozart ship we have arranged for an exclusive 7 day Danube river cruise with special guest Alan Titchmarsh. During the cruise Alan will be giving 2 informal talks, hosting a cocktail party and be available for a personal book signing and photo session. Space is limited to only 100 couples on this superb cruise so early booking is recommended!

River Danube Passau – Passau7 Nights on the MV Mozart • Departure date – 03 May 2009

Passau (Germany), Durnstein (Austria), Vienna (Austria), Esztergom (Hungary), Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Melk (Austria), Grein (Austria), Passau (Germany)

from £999

A Garden Club WelcomeI am delighted to write to you personally enclosing our latest garden themed cruises programme - a selection of cruises, hand-picked to some fabulous destinations and ones which we are sure will appeal. Choose to travel with Victoria Travel and you will be accompanied by some of the country’s finest and most knowledgeable horticultural experts including such household names as Alan Titchmarsh, Roy Lancaster, Matthew Biggs, Pippa Greenwood, Ashley Stephenson, Tony Russell, David Hurrion and John Cushnie. Each one of our hosts eager to share with you their enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for plants and gardening. Working closely with our hosts we are constantly looking at new itineraries to offer our clients as well as repeating successful destinations like the Canaries and Madeira, the Amazon and Caribbean. All our group departures are exclusive and as part of our special garden group you will benefit from the following: • Hosted by a well-known expert • Fabulous savings on brochure fares (selected cruises) • Free car parking or return national express coach transfer at the port/airport • Free garden tour on each sailing (some cruises have 2 free tours) • Exclusive on board programme of talks plus question time hosted by an expert • Exclusive cocktail party for the group Finally, for even more cruises, then visit our website www.cruise.co.uk Happy cruising!

Vanessa

Vanessa Behan - Garden Cruises Manager

• Cabin accommodation with en-suite facilities, TV, hair dryer, telephone*, individual air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities*

• Cabin safe and safety deposit boxes

• All meals throughout the cruise

• Late night snacks

• Gala late night buffet

• Ice cream at selected on board venues

• Tea and coffee during the day and early evening

• Welcome and farewell cocktail parties

• Daily on board activities

• Free on board lectures

• Evening entertainment

• On board leisure facilities including swimming pool, jacuzzis & gymnasium

• Free birthday celebration on board (for passengers who have a birthday whilst on board)

• All ports and air taxes

• No extra service charge added to your on board drinks

• Baggage porterage to and from your cabin from drop off point

• Direct flights from regional airports plus transfers

What’s included?

How to bookCall FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498 (open 7 days a week) Email: sales@victoriatravel.co.uk

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Disclaimer: All fares contained within this brochure are per person based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise. All offers are subject to availability, capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms & conditions please refer to individual tour operator brochure (available upon request). ABTA 78024. ATOL 3385. E&OE. Please be aware that prices are correct at time of going to print. Every effort has been made to ensure that fares are correct, however customers are advised to confirm by calling Victoria Travel. Victoria Travel are accredited members of the cruiselines featured in this brochure. Please note: The experts hosting any of our cruises are subject to personal circumstances permitting and we cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of a host for this reason. In the extreme event that a host has to cancel the cruise, we will, where possible, find a suitable replacement. All cruises will be hosted unless stated or advised otherwise or unless the group does not reach the minimum number of passengers. Printed March 2008.

FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498

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Food and wineSuperb foods coupled with friendly, attentive service are hallmarks of the

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines experience.

• Full English breakfast served in the conviviality of the main restaurants or

in the privacy of your cabin.

• Lunch can be a casual affair served al fresco by the pool, or try the

brasserie-style cafes.

• In the evening assume an air of dignity, at the Captains Dinner.

• If you prefer informal dining you can experience mouth watering Oriental

and Indian themed treats in the less formal cafes.

Activities and leisure

To experience the best of Fred. Olsen you really need to be at sea. This

allows you time to truly explore your home from home and have as

relaxing or energetic day as you like.

• The ArtsClub programmes allow you to indulge in a special interest close to

you heart. The programmes range from Antiques with lectures and presentations,

practical hints and tips to Painting which will sharpen your appreciation as you

paint with their experts.

• Relax by the swimming pool with a tropical cocktail.

• Borrow the best seller that you have always been meaning to read from their

well stocked library.

• Stay in touch with friends at the Internet Centre.

• Improve your golf swing or bridge technique with friendly staff.

• Pamper yourself with a range of beauty treatments in the salon including

massages and facials.

• You can also take part in the daily quiz, the afternoon bingo, dances classes and

the talent show.

Show time spectacular

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines bring you a special blend of entertainment as the

sun goes down.

• The Neptune Lounge brings the night alive with specially choreographed revues,

comedy and lavishly costumed West End shows.

• Special ‘Theme Nights’ such as 50’s, 60’s and 70’s nights or Western nights bring

their own magic.

• If you are counting on Lady Luck then a night in the Casino will be ideal.

• If that doesn’t take your fancy, then indulge in the graceful art of ballroom dancing.

• Why not linger over a quiet drink of single malt, or Brandy in one of the

many bars that stay open late.

Dine out on deck

Lively entertainment

Socialise with the Captain

Relax on a sunlounger

On board Braemar

MediterraneanColourful

4

Fred. Olsen’s Distinction

A family-owned company, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is justly proud of its Norwegian heritage and seamanship and have been refining and perfecting its cruising experience over the past century-and-a-half. Passengers appreciate the high on-board standards of accommodation, relaxed British atmosphere, varied menus, friendly staff, top entertainment and exciting destinations in all corners of the globe.

The late sailing from Miami is a magical event, as Braemar leaves the illuminated high-rises and the neon haze of South Beach in its wake. In the shadow of the Blue Mountains, Port Antonio offers the chance to enjoy a tranquil rafting experience along the Rio Grande; or climb Dunn’s River Falls. The Colombian city of Cartagena positively flaunts its Spanish colonial heritage around Plaza Santo Domingo and from Roatan you could enjoy a dolphin encounter or snorkel amid the western hemispheres most spectacular under water reefs.

Thursday 13 November to Friday 28 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Braemar

WesternCaribbean

with Matthew Biggs and Will Giles

FREEGarden

Tour

from only

£1285pp

Fully refurbished BraemarIn May 2008, Braemar will be fully refurbished with facilities expanded to be similar to those on the Balmoral,

giving guests greater choice. Over 80 passenger cabins and suites will have balconies. A new 136 seater

restaurant will offer an alternative dining option and more casual dining during the day. And the introduction

of a nautically themed ‘Morning Light’ pub will bring entertainment in the form of jazz or late night comedian.

Cocktails

Fares from £pp

Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk

Inside 2335 1285Outside 2895 1595Balcony 3700 2035Suite 4925 2705Single 4020 2210

Matthew Biggs

Will Giles

Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive Depart

November

Thu 13 Fly Belfast/Humberside/ Gatwick/Manchester to Miami

Thu 13 Miami, Florida Arrive 2200

Fri 14 Nassau, Bahamas 1200 1800

Sat 15 Cruising

Sun 16 Port Antonio, Jamaica 0800 2300

Mon 17 Cruising

Tue 18 Cartagena, Colombia 0800 1700

Wed 19 San Blas Islands, Panama* 0800 1600

Thu 20 Cruising

Fri 21 Roatan Island, Honduras 0900 1800

Sat 22 Santo Tomas de Castilla 0800 2000

Sun 23 Belize* 0800 1700

Mon 24 Playa del Carmen, Mexico* 0730 0930

Cozumel, Mexico 1200 2300

Tue 25 Cruising

Wed 26 Key West, Florida 0800 1700

Thu 27 Fly Miami, Florida to UK 0600 Depart

Fri 28 Arrive Belfast/Humberside/Gatwick/Manchester

*Anchor Port

Cartagena, Colombia Included TourWe shall visit the Botanical Gardens located near the town of Turbaco. A variety of flora can be seen where the German scientist Humboldt once did his research. The gardens occupy an area of 20 acres and contain some 1,200 variet-ies. It was started in 1978 and since then, thousands of plants from all over the Caribbean coast have been planted.

Latin American Rhythms

Cruise news!

Sunday 16 November – Sunday 30 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Balmoral

The perfect opportunity to take a pre-winter tonic and enjoy a leisurely cruise from the comfort of Fred. Olsen’s new flagship, Balmoral. Visit historic ports lined with enticing beaches and take in some of the finest examples of Spanish and Portuguese architecture. Explore botanical gardens rich in native flora and fauna and savour the unique culinary flavours of each locale for a truly Mediterranean experience.

MediterraneanColourful

2 FREEGarden Tours

from only

£990pp

with David Hurrion

FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498

5Balmoral

Barcelona, Spain It will be from this port that you can enjoy an exclusive tour of the Botanical Gardens which form part of the Park Montjuic Botanical Gardens with its beautiful flora. It is considered to be one of the most important examples of its type in Spain and its aim is to conserve and document Catalonia’s natural heritage. Lisbon, Portugal The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is a city of past imperial glory. One of the least well known, but certainly one of the loveliest of European capitals, it was built on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus River. Enjoy a Gardens of Lisbon tour today with your fellow host.

Fares from £pp

Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk

Inside 2250 990Outside 2770 1215Balcony 3550 1560Suite 4835 2125Single 4105 1805

Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive DepartSun 16 Nov Dover 1700

Mon 17 – Wed 19 Cruising

Thu 20 Nov Malaga, Spain 0800 1700

Fri 21 Nov Cruising at sea

Sat 22 Nov Barcelona, Spain 0800 2000

Sun 23 Nov Palma de Mallorca, Spain 0800 1700

Mon 24 Nov Valencia, Spain 0800 2300

Tue 25 Nov Cruising at sea

Wed 26 Nov Gibraltar 0800 1400

Thu 27 Nov Lisbon, Portugal 1000 1800

Fri 28 - Sat 29 Nov Cruising at sea

Sun 30 Nov Dover 0730

Hear it from the people that join us…..

Our view of garden visits from the ship is that you get a quick snapshot of the actual garden. Pictures cannot convey anything like that. We were initially reluctant to join a garden cruise – fearing that our knowledge or lack of it – Latin names etc – would be a hindrance. We very quickly found that the ‘ex-perts’ cater for all levels of expertise – it’s up to you to get out of it as much or as little as you want. If you just like to look at beautiful gardens and admire them, then so be it. If you want/need to know all the technical details then they are readily available. It is also very useful to join the get-togethers on board – 3 or 4 one hour sessions during a 2 week cruise is something we ought to be able to do – after all we will generally be at sea – and they are good social occasions.

Mr & Mrs W Shorrock, Milton Keynes (To read more reviews go to www.cruise.co.uk)

Included Tour

Included Tour

Garden review

Sunday 4 January – Saturday 17 January 2009 · 13 night cruise aboard Balmoral

Sun-drenched ports of call and a myriad of delightful destinations. Blessed by a climate that is almost perfect all year round, with temperatures hovering constantly in the high 60s and 70s, the beautiful islands of Madeira and the Canaries are a haven for peace, quiet and pure relaxation! There will be plenty to do and see ashore and afloat and our itinerary offers a lovely blend of leisurely days cruising at sea, floral delights, sightseeing and shopping ashore.

6

from only

£1040pp

2 FREEGarden Tours

Santa Cruz, Tenerife Plantlife is rich and colourful on Tenerife and a fitting port for our included tour taking in the Botanical Gardens, where many of the plants in the garden are the original specimens and the centrepiece is a huge South American fig tree. Risco Bello is our next stop and features attractive wa-terfalls and colourful terraces of local flowers. Finally refreshments will be served at the Hotel Tigaiga Gardens. Funchal, Madeira The picturesque white-washed capital of the mountainous Portuguese islands has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden’ with the year-round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruits.

Today you can enjoy a tour of the Botanical Gardens in Funchal, one of the best examples of Madeiran landscaped gardens and are host to a profusion of plants and flowers from all over the world which thrive in the island’s temperate climate. The gardens provide and excellent view over Funchal, so bring your cameras.

The classically-styled Balmoral is the larg-est and most extensively equipped ship in the fleet, yet remains compact enough to offer the intimate atmosphere and lifestyle for which Fred. Olsen is renowned.

The combination of Balmoral’s elegant décor, comfortable cabins, world class cuisine and diverse on board activities has been designed to appeal to the rapidly expanding British cruise market. Balmoral gives guests more choice than ever before. Two freshwater swimming

Introducing Balmoral - Fred. Olsen’s new flagshipN

EW

Fares from £pp

Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk

Inside 2085 1040Outside 2565 1280Balcony 3290 1645Suite 4485 2240Single 3660 1830

pools, a gym and golf nets. For those who wish to really relax and unwind from the world back home, the Jacuzzi treatments in the spa or just soaking up the sun on the spacious sun deck will appeal. Like all the ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet, the quality of cuisine on Balmoral is set to impress.

Should you wish to dine a la carte, or enjoy a light snack, you will be spoilt for choice with five formal

and informal restaurants and varied menus. Amongst the array of lounges and bars is the traditionally themed Morning Light Pub, a first for a Fred. Olsen ship. Guest beers and real ales join the usual extensive drinks selection and the occasional Jazz musician or stand-up comedian add to the relaxed and unique atmosphere.

Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive DepartJanuary

Sun 04 Dover 2000

Mon 05 – Tue 06 Cruising

Wed 07 Lisbon, Portugal 0800 2000

Thu 08 Cruising

Fri 09 Arrecife, Lanzarote 1030 1800

Sat 10 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 0800 0200

Sun 11 Santa Cruz, Tenerife 0800 0200

Mon 12 San Sebastian, La Gomera 0800 1400

Tue 13 Funchal, Madeira 0800 1800

Wed 14 - Fri 16 Cruising

Sat 17 Dover 0730

Included Tour

Included Tour

magic Canaries

of the

with Matthew Biggs

For those who like the idea of combining the winter sun of the Caribbean with a journey that is truly off the beaten track this cruise foray into the magnificent, mysterious Amazon will fit the bill perfectly. Settle in, unpack and watch the lights of Barbados fading astern as we head for the coast of Brazil. Voyaging a full nine hundred miles upstream, you encounter an unreal world. Water turns from blue to muddy brown as you cross the equator and enter the Amazon proper. On both sides, a staggering panorama of sights and sounds fill the air and stirs the senses.Thatched native villages on rickety stilts hug grassy verges that flank the river and small boats full of local people row by and wave up at the ship.

Thursday 12 February – Friday 27 February 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca

AmazonianAdventurewith Tony Russell

& David Hurrion

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7

The Amazon is one of the most rewarding places to visit with such a diversity of plant species to discover. The sheer scale of the trees and vegetation that make up this fabulous ecosystem give a real sense of jungle wilderness and no amount of pictures and television programmes can prepare you for the experience of seeing it ‘in the flesh’.

You’ll also get a sense of how important the rainforest is to all of us, acting as one of the earth’s vital ‘lungs’ that supply the oxygen we breathe and helping to moderate the world’s climate.

So it is with great pleasure that I look forward to joining you on our voyage of discovery on one of my favourite ships and with fellow horticulturist Tony Russell.

See you there!David Hurrion

Amazonian Indian Dwellings

Fares from £pp

Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk

Inside 2880 1499Outside 3250 1705Balcony 4215 2210Suite 4980 2615Single 4635 2430

Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive DepartFebruary

Thu 12 Fly Gatwick/Manchester/ Stanstead to Barbados

Depart

Thu 12 Bridgetown, Barbados 2200

Fri 13 – Mon 16 Cruising

Tue 17 Santarem, Amazon 0800 1800

Wed 18 Parantins, Amazon* 0800 1400

Thu 19 Manaus, Amazon 0900

Fri 20 Manaus, Amazon 1800

Sat 21 Boca de Valeria, Amazon* 1200 1800

Sun 22 Alter do Chao, Amazon* 0800 1300

Mon 23 – Wed 25 Cruising

Thu 26 Fly Bridgetown, Barbados to UK

0700

Fri 27 Gatwick/Manchester/ Stanstead

Arrive

Included Tour – Manaus, Amazon River Cruise We’ll take an approximate one-hour riverboat ride up the dark waters of the mysterious Rio Negro. Here we’ll see the huts of the ribeirinhos (river people), clustered on the riverbanks. The Amazon River cruise takes us to the January Lake, to a landing stage from which we now board motorized, ten-seater canoes for a close-up view of the local vegetation and trees. With luck (and river conditions permitting) we may be able to admire Victoria Regina water lilies, the leaves of which can measure up to one meter across.

*Anchor Port

from only

£1499pp

FREEAmazon

river cruise magic

Canaries

Grenada

Waiter Service

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An overnight stay in Balmy, British accented Bridgetown ensures that winter is already a distant memory. Rested and unpacked, savour the cocktail of dream islands that this fortnight offers in such warm style. Sprinkled with just a couple of rejuvenating sea days, this cruise is the ideal holiday for those wanting the warmth of the sun spiced with a taste of something slightly different.

Thursday 26 February – Friday 13 March 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca

Boudicca

David Hurrion

JewelsCaribbean

with David Hurrionfrom only

£1475pp

Full Day Tour IncludedCastries, St Lucia - Botanic Garden, lunch & Island Sightseeing

This exclusive tour of the beautiful Diamond Botanical Gardens and Waterfall features a close encounter with rich history and nature that is sure to take your breath away.

Winding along the edge of the rainforest taking in the beautiful views of tropical flowers and trees, before arriving in the French colonial town of Soufriere. From a distance, we will have the chance to see the towering Twin Peaks of the Pitons. After which, we will enjoy a guided walk in the lush Diamond Botanical Gardens.

Built in 1784 for the troops of King Louis XV1 of France, the gardens are rich in history and vivid in exotic colours and flora. They are a master piece, combining all variations of bright, vibrant flowers and fruit trees into a garden perfect for those of us with a passion for flowers and for taking memorable photographs. Enjoy a typical Caribbean lunch, before returning to our coach for a brief trip to Marigot Bay.

FREEGarden

Tour

Fares from £pp

Cabin FFull Faree Cruise.co.uk

Inside 2815 1475Outside 3175 1665Balcony 4110 2155Suite 4860 2550Single 4525 2375

Date Cruise Itinerary Arrive DepartFebruary

Thu 26 Fly Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/ Manchester to Barbados

Thu 26 Bridgetown, Barbados Arrive

Fri 27 Bridgetown, Barbados 1600

Sat 28 Port of Spain, Trinidad 0800 1700

March

Sun 01 St. Georges, Grenada 0800 1700

Mon 02 Cruising

Tue 03 Willemstad, Curacao 0800 2300

Wed 04 Oranjestad, Aruba 0800 1700

Thu 05 Cruising

Fri 06 Road Town, Tortola 0800 2300

Sat 07 Gustavia, St Barthelemy* 0800 1800

Sun 08 St. Johns, Antigua 0800 2300

Mon 09 Basseterre, St Kitts 0800 1700

Tue 10 Roseau, Dominica* 0800 1700

Wed 11 Castries, St Lucia 0800 1700

Thu 12 Fly Bridgetown, Barbados to UK 0700 Depart

Fri 13 Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/Manchester Arrive

*Anchor Port

Fred. Olsen’s award-winning chefs ensure that a feast is always in store, with varied mouth-watering menus. Dine in grand style in the ship’s formal restaurants, or indulge in array of Oriental and Indian themed treats in the less formal cafes. Make sure you leave room to push the boat out and savour the ship’s late-night buffets. Meals can be cooked exactly to your liking; you only have to ask. The ship’s carefully selected wine lists offer an array of eminently drinkable vintages, further enhancing that special meal.

FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498